A novel energy harvesting technology from the movements of air masses

The displacement of air masses caused by the movement of objects or vehicles is often characterized by considerable energy content, which, with appropriate technologies, can be partially recovered. In this sense, numerous scientific works consider rail transport as a possible context for application. However, the literature in the sector highlights how using existing wind technologies in these areas involves many difficulties, mainly related to the turbulent and impulsive nature of the airflows generated. This work presents the architecture and general aspects of an innovative technology for obtaining electrical energy from variable and impulsive airflows, such as those due to the rapid transit of railway trains in tunnels, without precluding its use in other similar fields. The innovative aspect mainly concerns the independent control of two distinct typologies of bladed elements, which can also have translational movement and drag-based and lift-based aerodynamic behavior to improve the adaptability of the embodiment to the site’s fluid dynamic and geometric characteristics. Furthermore, the structural simplification of the apparatus, shifting some of the technological complexity to the control systems, brings further advantages in terms of construction cost, robustness, maintenance, reuse, and transferability to different contexts. Of course, the counterpart of these benefits lies in the software and hardware of the control devices. Analytical models to determine the non-dimensional performance coefficients of the two basic types have been reported as has the architectural model of the control system. The technology shown in this work is protected by an EP and US Patent.